This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The placement has been a fantastic mix of a responsible job role and a great social life.
While the department itself was lacking in out going characters, I feeling extremely valued by my collegues including senior staff. I know my work is necessary for the staff to complete jobs throughput the company.
You are given a 2 weeks handover period where you will be given guidance to all our mandatory tasks for the month. After that your manager/other staff are very approachable and actually encourage it as your work does affect them.
My role can be very busy but also has some down time. You will as you progress in the role be given some projects/ad hoc to complete. There will always be something to do and help with if you ask.
I was given a great deal of responsibility to not just my department, but to the company. You will trusted with maintaining some important systems and reports which are used throughout the company. You will be given a lot of confidential data to work with so you are well trusted!
You will recieve two excel courses and a presentation course. If your role needs additional training you will be given it. In this role you will gain a lot of experience in managment, finance and sales - a great mixture!
The Company
Vauxhall itself has a good atmosphere and every person is approachable. My department itself can be quite serious, but every is very approachable.
The placement is run very smoothly as it is run by undergrads themselves so they know exactly what the undergrads are looking for. You will also have a 2 week handover schedule to make sure you can start from day 1.
As mentioned, you will recieve a 2 week handover period plus 3 training courses as standard. Throughout the year you will tested to the full extent of your capabilities, but you can always ask for assistance if needed.
Subsidised Canteen
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Travel loan
The downside is that there is no Graduate scheme here. However, if there is ever an employment opportunity you will be given priority.
The Culture
The social scene trumps all other organisations here at Vauxhall. There will be around 80-90 undergrads which join the organisation every year, so there will be loads to do at the weekends. This year I have traveled all over England and have also gone on a Ski Trip to Bulgaria and a trip to Brataslavia! While you are in Luton, you are very near London/Watford/St Albans, so we always go there.
Living will depend on how much you want to spend, it can range from £250-400 depending a month in rent, with social expenses dependant on where you go.
Luton itself is pretty barren, but there is the standard Yates/Spoons for a cheap night. However, as mention it is near London and as there are so many of you it is very easy to travel to different places.
These will have to be organised amoungst the undergrads themselves. Outside the two Handover weeks, you are left to your own devices. In terms of work opportunities it will depend on your department and whether you go ask. For my department there are limited opportunities, you need to go ask other departments for opportunities.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
May 2015